How do I Choose the Best Maternity Pants?

Maternity clothing was once notoriously unfashionable and unflattering. Increasingly, however, clothing designers are producing maternity pieces which are comfortable and stylish. Consequently, it is now possible to find fashionable maternity pants to suit almost every occasion and stage of pregnancy. To choose the best maternity pants for you, consider how far along you are in your pregnancy and the circumstances in which the pants will be worn. It may be helpful to keep in mind that you will likely need to try on several pairs of pants before you find a pair that fits well and also suits your taste.

For many expectant mothers, comfort is the most important consideration when selecting maternity pants. Maternity designs which work well during the early stages of your pregnancy may become uncomfortable as your body shape changes. Therefore, to select the best pair of maternity pants for you, you should begin by considering how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Many modern maternity pants are basically normal pants styles with very low-rise waistbands. The waists of these pants are designed to sit below the stomach. Some styles may have drawstring waistbands, allowing them to “grow” along with your body. Many expectant mothers find that these maternity pants are suitable for the first two trimesters of pregnancy, but that they become uncomfortable once the stomach has grown considerably.

Women in the third trimester of pregnancy may prefer pants with a hidden elastic panel which extends upward from the waistband. These panels are usually around 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in height, and they are worn around the tummy rather than below it. Generally, the panel is close-fitting enough to hold the pants in place while being concealed beneath a shirt, but flexible enough that it does not restrict the wearer’s movement.

When selecting maternity pants, you should also think about the circumstances in which the pants will be worn and choose a style accordingly. Many maternity stores, department stores, and even regular women’s clothing retailers carry a number of different pants styles. If you want pants for exercising or lounging around, you might consider a yoga style. Should you need a pair of pants for the office, you might consider a tailored style in a fabric such as linen or tweed. If you are searching for a casual style, you might select maternity jeans.

Finally, keep in mind that every pregnant woman’s body is different. Therefore, you may need to try on several pairs of pants before you find a style and fit you like. While spending lots of time in the dressing room can be frustrating, a properly fitting pair of maternity pants can improve your comfort considerably, thus making your search worth it.